FTP 18 - Asking for help

     A number of years ago, my little sister and I came to the realization that we were totally unprepared for an apocalypse. We couldn't ride motorcycles, could shoot anything, and had no combat training. Having a history of randomly picking goals and going for them, we decided it was time to change that, but had no idea where to start. So we decided to take the simplest method and just ask for help.

     We literally looked up the local firing range, walked in there, and told the guy at the counter that we had no idea what we were doing, but wanted to learn. Despite looking like every "bad to the bone" stereotype out there, he was impressed at our honesty, and proceeded to spend an hour or so teaching us the basics. We went over range safety (of course), different styles of guns, different grips, different calibers, etc. He then let us take seven or eight guns back to the range and try firing each one until we found one that we liked, and we spent another hour or so improving our aim. By the time we walked out of there, we were reasonably confident in our abilities to pick up a gun and fend off some zombies.

     In a slightly different category, a couple months ago the lottery hit the highest jackpot ever- something like $360 million. Out of random curiosity, and just for the heck of it, I decided to pick up a ticket as well, the only problem being I had no idea how to do so. Once again, I simply admitted my complete ignorance, and the person behind the counter was more than happy to help walk me through it. I have done the same thing on topics like fashion, taking a motorcycle course, learning about new religions and philosophies, and many, many other things. 

     I will grant you that women probably have an advantage in this area, but honestly, I have found that if you just admit you don't know what to do, and ask nicely, people will almost always take the time to stop and help you. Decency and respect are nearly universal currency when it comes to getting other people's cooperation. It's worth making those a part of your daily habit when dealing with other people.